OPPT Chemical Fact Sheet EPA 749-F-94-011
CHEMICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT: CYCLOHEXANE (CAS NO. 110-82-7)
prepared by
OFFICE OF POLLUTION PREVENTION AND TOXICS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
September 1994
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Chemicals can be released to the environment as a result of their
manufacture, processing, and use. EPA has developed information
summaries on selected chemicals to describe how you might be exposed to
these chemicals, how exposure to them might affect you and the
environment, what happens to them in the environment, who regulates
them, and whom to contact for additional information. EPA is committed
to reducing environmental releases of chemicals through source reduction
and other practices that reduce creation of pollutants.
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WHAT IS CYCLOHEXANE, HOW IS IT USED, AND HOW MIGHT I BE EXPOSED?
Cyclohexane is a colorless, flammable liquid. It occurs naturally
in petroleum crude oil, in volcanic gases, and in cigarette smoke. It
is produced in large amounts (an estimated 338 million gallons in 1992)
by four companies in the United States. US demand for cyclohexane is
likely to increase at a rate of 2% to 2.5% per year. The largest users
of cyclohexane are chemical companies that make adipic acid and
caprolactam, chemicals used to make nylon. Chemical companies also use
cyclohexane to make benzene, cyclohexanone, and nitrocyclohexane.
Cyclohexane can be added to lacquers and resins, paint and varnish
removers, and fungicides. It is also used as a fuel for camp stoves.
Exposure to cyclohexane can occur in the workplace or in the
environment following releases to air, water, land, or groundwater.
Exposure can also occur when people use products that contain
cyclohexane or when they smoke cigarettes. Cyclohexane enters the body
when breathed in with contaminated air or when consumed with
contaminated food or water. It can also be absorbed through skin
contact. Cyclohexane is not likely to remain in the body due to its
breakdown and removal in exhaled air and in urine.
WHAT HAPPENS TO CYCLOHEXANE IN THE ENVIRONMENT?
Cyclohexane evaporates when exposed to air. It dissolves when
mixed with water. Most direct releases of cyclohexane to the
environment are to air. Cyclohexane also evaporates from water and soil
exposed to air. Once in air, it is expected to break down to other
chemicals. Because it is a liquid that does not bind well to soil,
cyclohexane that makes its way into the ground can move through the
ground and enter groundwater. Plants and animals living in environments
contaminated with cyclohexane can store small amounts of the chemical.
HOW DOES CYCLOHEXANE AFFECT HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT?
Effects of cyclohexane on human health and the environment depend
on how much cyclohexane is present and the length and frequency of
exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person or the
condition of the environment when exposure occurs.
Breathing large amounts of cyclohexane for short periods of time
adversely affects the human nervous system. Effects range from
headaches to anesthesia, tremors, and convulsions. Contact with
cyclohexane liquid or vapor can damage the eyes. These effects are not
likely to occur at levels of cyclohexane that are normally found in the
environment.
Human health effects associated with breathing or otherwise
consuming smaller amounts of cyclohexane over long periods of time are
not known. Information about cyclohexane's potential to cause cancer,
developmental effects, or reproductive effects either does not exist or
is not adequate. Studies show that repeat exposure to large amounts of
cyclohexane in air causes nervous system effects, eye damage, and
respiratory effects in animals. The cyclohexane industry is now
studying how its chemical affects the reproductive system and the
development of the fetus of animals.
Cyclohexane by itself is not likely to cause environmental harm at
levels normally found in the environment. Cyclohexane can contribute to
the formation of photochemical smog when it reacts with other volatile
organic carbon substances in air.
WHAT EPA PROGRAM OFFICES REGULATE CYCLOHEXANE, AND UNDER WHAT LAWS IS
IT REGULATED?
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EPA OFFICE LAW PHONE NUMBER
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Pollution Prevention Toxic Substances Control Act (202) 554-1404
& Toxics Emergency Planning and Community
Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA)
Regulations (Sec. 313) (800) 424-9346
Toxics Release Inventory data (202) 260-1531
Air Clean Air Act (919) 541-0888
Solid Waste & Comprehensive Environmental
Emergency Response Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (Superfund)/
Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act / EPCRA (Sec. 304/311/312) (800) 424-9346
Water Clean Water Act (202) 260-7588
A technical support document can be requested from the TSCA Assistance
Information Service, (202) 554-1404.
WHAT OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES OR GROUPS CAN I CONTACT FOR INFORMATION ON
CYCLOHEXANE?
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AGENCY/GROUP PHONE NUMBER
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American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (513) 742-2020
Consumer Product Safety Commission (301) 504-0994
Food and Drug Administration (301) 443-3170
National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH) (800) 356-4674
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(Check your local phone book under U.S. Department of Labor)